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PRESS
Bogus Data Protection Act fees
22/5/2003
Ruthless conmen are preying on vandalism fears, warned a self-employed businesswoman.
While crime figures soar across East Hampshire, small firms are receiving demands for money to register their security systems with the government. But Liss-based PR consultant Keren Burney, 36, warned they were a scam after she smelled a rat and called in Petersfield security experts ADP Security Systems for advice.
Earlier this month Mrs Burney, from Station Road, received an official brown envelope from Data Protection Act Registration Services. It contained a registration form and a letter saying that if she used a security system or CCTV without paying their £95 registration fee she could face prosecution.
Keren said: “I was shocked. My heart missed a beat when I saw it because it looked official - like something from the Inland Revenue.” She became suspicious after noticing the form was photocopied and called Dave Preston at ADP Security Systems.
Dave Preston said: “The actual charge for registration is only £35. Compliance is needed for a CCTV system that is filming an area where people have legitimate access, even if it is private property. Individuals have the right to ask to see images taken of themselves, classed as ‘personal data’ under the Act. This legislation affects all companies with CCTV cameras, not just the big ones, and many people are unaware that they need to be compliant.”
The Information Commissioner’s Office, an independent watchdog answerable to parliament, warns on its website of many seemingly official outfits, like DPA Registration Services, charging £95 plus VAT for its registration service.
Hampshire County Council’s head of fair-trading, Rodney Goldup, said it was not illegal to provide a private registration service but warned companies not to pay too high a price. He said: “Anyone who receives an approach from one of these private agencies should first contact the DPA’s official notification helpline on 01625 545740 for information and guidance.
“Alternatively, they can find all the information they need at the DPA’s website: www.dataprotection.gov.uk .”
Mrs Burney agreed: “Anyone might think it was official to look at but don’t just pay the money - check with the local council or a security firm.”
ADP has set up a new DPA 1998 consultancy service, offering advice on all aspects of the registration requirements, available by contacting (01730) 261510.
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For all press enquiries, comment or photographs, please contact: Keren Burney
Public Relations Representative
| | TEL: | 01730 894123 | | MOBILE: | 07876 780065 | EMAIL: | Kburney000@aol.com | | | | POST: | Compege,
Mainline Business Centre,
Station Road,
Liss,
Hampshire,
GU33 7AD |
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